KAMPALA — The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has assured Parliament that the country remains peaceful and stable despite a range of emerging and persistent national security threats.
Appearing before Parliament’s Defence and Internal Affairs Committee, the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj. Gen. Richard Otto, said Uganda’s overall security environment remains under control following the successful conclusion of the 2026 general elections.
“The country remains peaceful and stable, threats to national security notwithstanding,” Otto told legislators. “However, the emerging threats necessitate strategic investment in modern technical capabilities, force multipliers and enablers, and human capital development.”
Terror Threats Linked to Eastern DRC
Otto warned that terrorist groups, including affiliates of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) linked to extremist networks, are actively planning attacks targeting Uganda from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
He said these groups are increasingly relying on encrypted digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal to coordinate operations.
“The group coordinates its activities using online and encrypted platforms,” he explained. “UPDF counter-terrorism forces continue to conduct disruptive operations to detect and prevent these threats.”
Since January 2026, more than 30 suspects linked to ADF activities have been arrested and are undergoing prosecution.
Rising Crime Figures Raise Concern
Despite the assurance of stability, the UPDF painted a concerning picture of domestic crime trends. Otto revealed that since the start of the year, at least 700 violent crime incidents have been recorded, over 250 people have been killed, and approximately UGX 2 billion has been lost through criminal activity.
Crimes include murder, robbery, theft, mob justice, and land-related conflicts, particularly concentrated in urban and semi-urban areas.
Otto attributed the rise in crime to socio-economic pressures, including unemployment and substance abuse. “Urban and semi-urban centres remain the epicentre of these criminal activities,” he noted, citing drug and alcohol abuse and economic challenges as key drivers.
Karamoja and Regional Security
The UPDF also highlighted continued insecurity in the Karamoja sub-region, where 110 incidents have been recorded since January, leading to 4 deaths and theft of over 500 livestock.
Security forces have since recovered 45 firearms, 210 rounds of ammunition, and 380 stolen animals.
UPDF Operations in South Sudan
On regional deployments, Otto confirmed that Ugandan troops have maintained a presence in South Sudan since March 2025 to prevent escalation of conflict and protect regional stability.
He said the intervention has helped deter violence in Juba and prevented spillover into Uganda.
Call for Increased Investment in Security
Despite the challenges, the UPDF emphasised its readiness to respond to threats, maintaining what Otto described as a “robust and proactive posture.”
He stressed the need for increased investment in security infrastructure and personnel to sustain national stability. “We are committed to ensuring operational readiness and protecting Uganda from both internal and external threats,” he said.
The briefing comes as Parliament scrutinises the 2026/27 Ministerial Policy Statement for the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, with security remaining a key priority for government spending.